Annual event kicks off Friday, runs through Saturday

16 WAPT meteorologist Ethan Huston it will be sunny and in the high 70s for the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of State and Court streets in Downtown Jackson.

This is the 30th year for the event, which benefits Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. The grand marshal for this year's parade is Clinton artist Wyatt Waters.

Floats will line up at 7 a.m. Saturday. The Mal's St. Paddy's Parade Race starts at 8 a.m. on Pascagoula Street at the Jackson Convention Complex.

The Trustmark Children's Festival begins at 9 a.m. on South Lamar Street in front of the Mississippi Museum of Art, and will include a 10 a.m. Pet Parade and an 11 a.m. Children's Parade.

A street dance will follow the St. Paddy's Parade in the Hal & Mal's parking lot. Featured performers are Alabama Shakes, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Doores, Riley Downing and Houndmouth. Gates open at 4 p.m.

The weekend kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with the Marching Malfunction and Second Line Stomp at the King Edward on Capitol Street.

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